In a move that left both fans and teammates a bit misty-eyed, LA Sparks star Cameron Brink delivered a four-word mic drop on Instagram, reacting to Layshia Clarendon’s sudden retirement from the WNBA. And no, it wasn’t the typical “Good luck, you’ll be missed” corporate PR line we’re used to seeing from athletes. Brink went with a more heartfelt “Love you lay forever!!! 💜💛” caption, throwing in some team colors for good measure. If there were a Hall of Fame for wholesome, this moment would be inducted first ballot.
For those who haven’t been keeping up, Clarendon, a 33-year-old veteran who has been around the league longer than some rookies have been alive, announced their retirement in a post that practically screamed, “I’m leaving, and I’m taking your emotions with me.” The message was reflective, deep, and yes, tear-inducing. Clarendon shared, “The lesson I’ve been learning this last year is that everything comes to an end.” Way to give us an existential crisis, Layshia.
It’s not every day you see a retirement post that reads like a eulogy for an athlete’s career, but Clarendon did just that. They mentioned the “two deaths” athletes go through: their career and their final breath. While that sounds like a line straight out of a motivational TED Talk, it certainly resonated with the community. It’s almost like Clarendon just read their own sports obituary, but with much better grammar.
On the other end of the emotional spectrum, Cameron Brink’s season was cut short like a terrible infomercial. “But wait, there’s no more!” shouted the universe, as she tore her ACL in a game against the Connecticut Sun. It was a moment that had fans and teammates wincing harder than when someone says “it’s just a sprain.” Brink, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, had been making a solid case for Rookie of the Year, averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and a show-stopping 2.3 blocks per game. And then, poof, gone before halftime of her debut season.
Despite only playing 15 games, Brink’s stats were giving us major “what could’ve been” vibes. With her sidelined, the Sparks looked as cohesive as a group project in college—sometimes promising, mostly chaotic. Even with Dearica Hamby’s stellar performances, Rickea Jackson’s consistent contributions, and Azurá Stevens making a comeback, the team just couldn’t find its rhythm. It’s like they had all the right ingredients but couldn’t get the recipe right.
Meanwhile, Clarendon, who has been a steady presence in the league, called it quits after averaging 4.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists this season. They leave behind a legacy of resilience and grace, not to mention a career average of 7.6 points per game, which is no small feat for a player who’s been grinding it out for over a decade.
But let’s be real: the real story here is Brink’s potential return in 2025. Sparks fans are already counting down the days. With her back in the lineup, the Sparks might just become the team that fans dream about and opponents dread. In the meantime, let’s hope Brink’s recovery goes smoother than the Sparks’ 2024 season.
So, here’s to Layshia Clarendon, who taught us that athletes have two deaths but also reminded us to live passionately while we still can. And to Cameron Brink, who’s got a long career ahead of her—ACL willing. May her Instagram stories stay as wholesome as ever.